The Y-Guides, Y-Princesses and Y-Papoose programs are unique opportunities for fathers to spend uninterrupted time with their children. The purpose of the programs is to strengthen families. Fathers, sons and daughters participate in fun and educational activities that help them grow closer together. Activities range from camping, canoeing, archery, crafts, and games to special events and outings organized by the Y.

What Are The Y-Guide, Y-Princess & Y-Papoose Programs?
Y-GUIDES (boys 5-12), Y-PRINCESS (girls 5-12) and Y-PAPOOSE (boys/girls 3-4) are YMCA programs designed to foster quality experience between father and child in a small group setting. These Parent-Child Programs provide children and their parents opportunities to become real friends - by sharing enjoyable experiences, observing and learning about one another, and developing mutual respect. It provides a vehicle through which a parent and child can build a lasting relationship.

Tuckahoe Family YMCA consists of 5 Guide and 5 Princess Nations. Each nation has 4 to 8 tribes. Each tribe has 3 to 20 families. We also have 1 Papoose Nation with 2 tribes. In 2011-2012, over 5330 families participate through the Tuckahoe YMCA Y-Guides program with over 1200 actively involved members. For more information on these programs, please call or stop by the YMCA.

How Often Do They Meet?
Usually tribes have one meeting each month. This meeting is at a member's home with a Guide, Papoose or Princess serving as host. Most tribes plan a trip, activity or outing each month. Tribes are welcome to use the YMCA facilities as their meeting space.  YMCA facilities are available on a first come, first serve basis. Additionally, special events are hosted at the YMCA and each nation has a weekend campout (Longhouse) in the Spring and Fall. Y-Guides, Y-Princess, and Y-Papoose Programs are like most activities - you can be as involved as you choose to be.

What Are The Ages?
Y-Guides: Father & Son ages 5-12 years old. Y-Princess: Father & Daughter ages 5-12 years old. Y-Papoose: Father & Pre-School ages 3-4 years old. Little Braves & Princesses age out of the program upon their 13th birthday. If a Little Brave or Princess turns 13 during the program year, they can attend the remaining events of the program year. For example, if a Princess turns 13 in February, she can attend the Father-Daughter Dance and the Spring Longhouse.

How Do I Join?
To join and start the tribe placement process, come by the Tuckahoe Family YMCA - fill out a registration form, and pay your dues. Requests for placements in particular tribe or tribe in a certain zip code, neighborhood or school are considered upon request, but cannot always be honored. It usually takes 2-3 weeks to receive your tribe assignment. New members that have been recruited into a particular tribe should indicate this on their registration. Register early to reserve your place in a tribe before the Longhouses begin in early September. Past participants receive a “returning invoice” in late summer that can be mailed back to the YMCA with payment. New participants must register at the YMCA.

Recruitment is an important element of the Y-Guide, Y-Princess, and Y-Papoose Programs. Please help the YMCA reach our community by directing interested families to the Y-Guide office as well as supporting the program by helping us recruit members. Many families may not be aware of the benefits that the Y Guides program has, and we rely on our members to keep our program strong.

Who Provides Leadership?
The YMCA and volunteers who are involved in the program provide guidance and direction. Each nation and tribe has dads who volunteer to be officers. The YMCA Y-Guides, Y-Princess, Y-Papoose Program Coordinator, Amy Edwards assumes administrative responsibilities of ordering supplies, recruitment, placing new families in tribes, training, Longhouse & chief support, etc. She is also available as a creative resource. Charlie Long, Senior Director, also provides leadership and supervision of the program.

REGISTRATION FEE INCLUDES

Monthly Tribal Meetings
The YMCA is available as a meeting and recreational facility on a first come first serve basis. Please contact Amy Edwards if your tribe would like to use either the Clubhouse, the Child Development Center, the Rockwall or the Swimming Pool.

Two Fun-Filled Longhouses For Each Nation
They take place during the Fall and the Spring. This includes 2 YMCA staff to facilitate activities & to provide guidance, game supplies, canoes, archery equipment and the ceremonial fire.

Apple Hour
A special time during all Longhouses where father and son/daughter spend an hour alone sharing an apple and spending quality time building a strong relationship.

Most Awards
Guides, Princesses & Papooses can earn numerous awards at tribal meetings, Longhouses and community service projects. Most patches & chevrons, game beads , feathers, wooden beads, arrowheads, bear claws and leather medallions are included. 

Special Events

• Fantastic Friday, January 18, 2013
• Family Events at the YMCA- Including Healthy Kids Day, access to the swimming facility, family gym and twelve canoes available for tribe use.
• Father/Daughter Dance (February 9, 2013) and Father/Son Pinewood Derby (March 10, 2013)

Communications

• Quarterly “Straight Arrow” newsletter for each participating family
• “Smoke Signal” informational flyer for each one of the Longhouses
• Recruitment Night (August 14, 2013) 
 

New Chiefs Orientation and Training
June 18, 2013 from 8 - 10 a.m. at the Tuckahoe Family YMCA

Social Networking
Build adult friendships in your Tribes and Nation!
The Y-Guide, Y-Princess and Y- Papoose programs are year long programs that run from September to June (optional for tribes to meet during the summer months). Facility or community membership must be active through June 30, 2013.

PURCHASE A VEST
For information about where and how to purchase a vest, you may download the pdf below:
 Where to Purchase a Vest